Cities around the world are experiencing more frequent heatwaves and these are becoming more intense and lasting longer.
This is affecting people’s health and if they feel too hot this affects their enjoyment of outside spaces both during the day and the evening.
INTRODUCTORY VIDEO
This short animated film explains what heat stress is and what the Cool Towns project has done to help towns and cities reduce heat stress.
Definition of heat stress
When a human body’s ability to tolerate high temperature has reached a point where thermal discomfort begins, this is described as experiencing heat stress
Climate change, due to anthropogenic activities, causes extreme heat events in summer. It has serious acute and chronic health consequences and increased death rates are recorded during heat waves. It is uncomfortable and has physical and psychological effects and the young, elderly and those with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable.
The importance of raising awareness
Raising awareness on different levels is important. Not just among residents, although this is important to ensure support for policies but also amongst politicians and the various levels of administration who decide on priorities . Raising awareness of heat stress and the potential consequences it is easier to gain commitment for time and monetary resources to be allocated to developing a hear resilient strategy and ensure action is taken.
The modular presentation can help you to raise awareness – select slides to make your own presentation tailored to your situation and the intended audience